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Two men charged with baring it all in public have argued the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of Canadians to expose their genitals.

Naturists Brian Coldin, who operates a clothing-optional resort near Bracebridge, and John Cropper, were in court Tuesday, each charged with public nudity.

They shocked citizens by going through an A&W drive-through and strolling along wooded trails stark naked.

But their lawyer is arguing it is their right to express their love of nature.

In fact, lawyer Nader Hasan has gone a step further, insisting not only should the charges against Coldin and Cropper be dismissed, but the law that prohibits nudity in public should be struck down because it violates freedom of expression.

"My client is passionate about the ideals of nature," Hasan argued, "He believes clothes are the shackles of the physical world."

He also argued no one was harmed by the nudity.

Nudity, stated Hasan, is a way to express the concept of self-acceptance, "even if that meaning is not received."

But Crown attorney Zachary Green scoffed at his arguments, noting several people were offended by the nudity.

During the trial, one woman broke down weeping as she testified that the men came through the A&W where she works and spent up to 15 minutes fussing around with money -- pretending to look for wallets in back pockets, all while their genitals "flopped" around.

"The witnesses gave uncontradicted evidence that they were upset, embarrassed, shocked, shaken and uncomfortable," said Green. "They testified they are afraid of encountering the applicants again."

Green added their passion for self-expression in nudity can be done at the nude resort.

Justice Jon-Jo Douglas will reserve his ruling. A date for the verdict will be set on Sept. 28.